84 Trans Am, had the stock 305 in it. Would run a little under 220 degrees all the time. I replace the 305 with a 350 with headers, new thermostat, new antifreeze (obviously)...reused the radiator and water pump as they were still in good shape. Last night, I took the car out for its first long drive. The temp gauge got up to 230-235 and for a few minutes during stop and go traffic in downtown, got up to 240. It was about 75 degrees outside. Stopped at a relatives house for a few hours. When I drove back, it stayed just a hair above 220 (temp outside was probably 65). Anyways, what can I do to make my engine run cooler? Also, not sure if this is related, but....

The car now occasionally throws a code 13 for the oxygen sensor (which is another problem I am trying to figure out). The Check Engine Light was on during the trip out when the car was running hot, but was not on during the way back when it was running around 220.

Thanks,
Joe

 

If you're running too lean you might get hot. Or if your timing is too advanced.

 

What are you running for a fan? Same old clutch fan? Which "new" thermostat did you install? For what temperature?

 

Same questions as the person above. Is your thermostat at a lower temp? I'd try to find the dual electric fan setup from an iroc, that'd likely cool it down, along with a cooler thermostat.

 

I'm running the stock belt driven fan and stock thermostat (cant recall what temp).

 

i also have a 1984 trans am and i had the same problem when i put my 327 in it. what solved the problem was installing an electric fan from a late 80's f-body and wiring it to run constant with the ignition. i also installed a new stock air dam under the car. the air dam was missing, but never had a problem when the 305 was in it.

 

I'm acquiring a 1991 Firebird today actually...so hopefully it will have the electric fan...I may need some help wiring it....

Thanks,
Joe

 

Wait you guys have tempeture GAUGES!?????

 

you don't??? do you have the dash that has some lights and panels in the middle instead of gauges?

 

I have a fuel gauge and a speedo the rest lights Im getting a lg4 wiring harness,86 trans am dash with all gauges 140 mph speedo and a 86 center console for 50 bucks on sunday